Europe is getting closer to enacting its first restrictions on carbon dioxide emissions from heavy trucks and buses.

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Two of Europe's key governing bodies, the European Parliament and Council, have agreed to a provisional deal, which will see the 28 member bloc cut carbon dioxide emissions from heavy trucks and buses by 30 percent from 2019 levels by 2030.

The deal will also see the EU target a 15 per cent reduction by 2025, as well as create incentives to spur production and sales of low- and zero-emissions trucks.

The deal is still subject to formal approval by the European Council, and a vote in the European Parliament.

Environmental groups claim the trucking sector accounts for around 22 per cent of the union's vehicle emissions, while only accounting for 5.0 per cent of all vehicles on the road.

The transportation sector is the only one in which CO2 emissions have risen in the EU.

Although the EU has long enforced curbs on carbon dioxide emissions passenger vehicles and vans, this will be the first time the Continent will have similar restrictions on the heavy truck sector.

Other major polluters, including China, the USA and Japan, already have regulations limiting vehicle emissions from both passenger cars and trucks.

The EU is planning to cut passenger car and van emissions by between 30 to 40 per cent compared to 2021 levels.

As part of the Paris climate accord, Europe needs to cut its overall emissions by 40 per cent compared to 1990 levels by 2030.